Fulham officially sell star ahead of Manchester United clash

Momentum has quietly been building at Old Trafford again, with Manchester United suddenly looking far more assured after back-to-back statement wins that have shifted the mood around the club.

A tactical reset, clearer roles and renewed confidence have all been evident, and the fixture list now offers another intriguing test.

Sunday’s Premier League clash brings Fulham to Manchester, a side who have caused United problems in recent seasons.

Preparation, however, has taken on a different tone this week after unexpected movement elsewhere.

Squad stability is often crucial ahead of big games, and any late disruption can subtly tilt the balance.

Those circumstances frame the latest development that has caught attention at United, especially with Michael Carrick preparing for his third match as interim manager following victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.

Fulham have confirmed a notable departure just days before their trip to Old Trafford.

Fulham have officially announced, via their website, that Adama Traore has completed a permanent move to West Ham United for an undisclosed fee, removing one of their most recognisable attacking threats ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United.

The timing of the transfer is particularly striking from a United perspective, given Traore’s pace and physicality have often posed problems for full-backs in the Premier League, and his absence reshapes Fulham’s attacking options.

Adama Traore originally joined Fulham on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 and went on to enjoy a productive spell at Craven Cottage, making 79 appearances across all competitions during his two-and-a-half years at the club.

In that period, he scored four goals and provided 13 assists, offering direct running, width and unpredictability, even when not always guaranteed a starting role.

Fulham themselves confirmed the deal, drawing a line under his time in west London just before a demanding run of fixtures.

From a Manchester United angle, the move subtly alters the complexion of Sunday’s contest, particularly with Carrick favouring a more traditional back four that has already delivered results.

Traore’s explosive speed would have tested United’s full-backs and defensive transitions, something Carrick has worked hard to stabilise since stepping into the role.

Without him, Fulham may look for creativity elsewhere, potentially shifting their approach against a United side growing in belief.